Member Article

Durham ice memories needed for play

Were you a fan of the Durham Wasps? A player for the Durham Dragons? Got a story to tell about the Riverside Rink? The Durham Gala Theatre is in the process of planning its third professional in-house production. Ideas are still at the planning stages but a clear favourite is emerging and Durham�s famous ice hockey heritage looks set to play a key part.

�Live theatre made in the region, about the region is one of our priorities�, say Simon Stallworthy, the Gala�s Director, who will also write the show. �You don�t have to be in Durham long to keep hearing about how much the old ice rink and ice sports were a massive part of many people�s lives. I�ve been looking around for something to form the backbone of our Spring production and I think this could be it.�

The theatre would like to hear from anyone who has stories or material about the ice rink and things that happened there which can help bring the production to life. It might be factual material like match programmes or photos, or more personal, anecdotal stories � perhaps you met your future partner there, or had a memorable party, or got stood up.

�It�s unlikely that the play will be based on any one person or incident�, says Simon, �but all the background will be vital to make sure it is our story, about our ice rink, in our City. If people can contact me in the first instance to give me an idea of what sort of material they have, and I�ll arrange the next stage when I know what�s out there. This is a great chance to be involved and I�ll make sure all material we use is treated carefully and acknowledged in the production programme.� Simon can be contacted by email at sstallworthy@galadurham.co.uk

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .